Expired Delta 3200; what to expect?

aldevo · Jul 15, 2009

I purchased a few roles of Ilford Delta 3200 from B&H in the fall of 2004.

Since that time the rolls have been stored constantly in a sealed freezer bag in my refrigerator. I no longer have the package, so I can't be sure what the film's expiration date was - but it probably seems reasonable to suspect it was in the 2006-2008 timeframe.

I finally have a subject that might call for some real speed (EI 1200 or higher) and was thinking of using the film. I know that keeping the film cool helps, but it won't affect exposure to cosmic background radiation. I will also be processing the film within several days after shooting.

Has anybody shot Delta 3200 that was 1-3 years out-of-date but carefully stored? What have your results been like?

Paul Sorensen · Jul 15, 2009

I have a couple of rolls of the same vintage that I have not yet bothered to expose. I have regularly heard that the really high speed films get really bad really fast, but no personal experience just yet.

david b · Jul 15, 2009

I have some 3200 that was not cold stored.

Film was fine but not something I would try to do something important with

clayne · Jul 15, 2009

Like most film expiration stories there is plenty of paranoia associated with it. Personally I think you could expose it at 3200 and be fine (but take note not to follow the BS Ilford times as they're wrong). If you want to be safe, EI 1600. There's no need for 1200.

sanking · Jul 15, 2009

Expect tennis ball size grain.

If you don't get it contact the Vatican. You may be on the fast track for a miracle.

michaelbsc · Jul 15, 2009

clayne said:
Like most film expiration stories there is plenty of paranoia associated with it. Personally I think you could expose it at 3200 and be fine (but take note not to follow the BS Ilford times as they're wrong). If you want to be safe, EI 1600. There's no need for 1200.

I have used old Delta 3200 just goofing around. At 3200 it is OK. 1600 was very usable.

As mentioned Ilford development times are delusional. You need to experiment.

If you use DD-X the grain is better.

PhotoJim · Jul 15, 2009

You'll have a lot of base fog. Fast films get it faster than slow films.

It's only an ISO 800-1000 film (by ISO testing). You'll get optimal results around that speed, even if it is fresh. Use it at the lowest ISO you can manage (down to 800 at least).

aldevo · Jul 16, 2009

Any suggestions as to development times for different EIs? I'll process it in Ilfotec DD-X 1:4 and the lighting will be medium contrast

clayne · Jul 16, 2009

aldevo said:
Any suggestions as to development times for different EIs? I'll process it in Ilfotec DD-X 1:4 and the lighting will be medium contrast

Use the Ilford time for the next EI up (i.e. 1600, use 3200 times, 3200, use 6400 times).

There's a few other pages out there on it.

michaelbsc · Jul 17, 2009

clayne said:
Use the Ilford time for the next EI up (i.e. 1600, use 3200 times, 3200, use 6400 times).

There's a few other pages out there on it.

For older film stock I wouldn't try to shoot at more than 3200. If you try to push it beyond that you just get blank areas on the film.

Just print through the base fog. Hey, it's a compromise. Right?

winger · Jul 17, 2009

I recently shot a roll that was the same as what you describe. I exposed it at 1600 and developed it as if I'd shot 3200. I got lots of base fog. I haven't tried to print from it, but the contact sheet looks do-able. I wouldn't use it for something once in a lifetime and I'd use it soon.

Expired Delta 3200; what to expect?

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